DayOn: Young people at Springboard Give Back to the Community in a Day of Service
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June 4, 2025
Young people on the Journeys programme, a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) participated in an annual #DayOn, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day of Service.
The young people from communities across Belfast united in a day of ‘Giving Back to the Community’. Participants chose to support crucial services that assist those affected by key issues such as homelessness, poor mental health, and poverty. Challenges that many of the Journeys participants themselves have experienced directly.
Participants collaborated in preparing essential item packs, positive wellbeing packs and distributed food hampers to local services providing vital support to those in need across Greater Belfast. Positive messages were also erected along walking trails and parks to uplift members of the public, while a wellbeing stall in the city centre invited passersby to write down their worries and exchange them for a positive message or action.
One young person commented,
We chose to support services close to home because they are personal to us and our needs. It felt important to us to give back to our communities by helping others.
A youth worker on the Journeys programme added,
We are constantly inspired by the compassion, creativity, and commitment of the young people we work with. DayOn is a testament to what can be achieved when young people are empowered to lead and give back.
This cross-community action marks just one of many initiatives by Springboard’s Journeys participants, who continue to engage with social issues and strive to make a positive contribution to building a cohesive society.